Shimano Ultegra CS-6500

Price Paid:  $40.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Trek 2.1. Shimano Tiagra Shifters and front derailleur. Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur. Bontrager Race carbon fork. Bontrager Aero Lite Wheels

Summary:
I was using a SRAM PG950 11-26 cassette on Shimano 105 rear derailleur for about 4 months and both things never clicked right. It was OK. Then I switch to the Ultegra 11-25 (I used the 11 cog from my SRAM cassette) and the difference was 100%. Right away the shifting was flawless and fast. The cassette is very light compare to my old SRAM cassette. I would recommend it to someone who is looking for something fast, smooth, and light. This is a good cassette for the serious racer or commuter.

Strengths:
Weight
Smooth
Fast

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $47.00 at Performance Bike

Favorite Ride:
Ride the Rockies

Summary:
This is a nice cassette, although I think the chrome plating cheapens the look compared to the "machined" look of the Dura ace. Regardless, it shifts smoothly and is farily light. I have used the 12-25 in the past and changed to the 12-27 a while ago as the larger gear really helps on long(14mile) climbs.
The SRAM is equally well as I use their chains (gold link) exclusively. They shift and run smoother with Shimano casettes than the Shimano chains, in my opinion

Strengths:
Fairly light weight
Solid reputation
Smooth shifting

Price Paid:  $80.00 at excel.com

Favorite Ride:
up in amish land

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR, Zipp 404s, FSA carbon cockpit, Ultegra derailleurs, DA shifters, speedplay pedals.

Summary:
nice cassette. had one before and i liked it, so i got another one.

Strengths:
strong and durable. shiny when clean!

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
only this cassette

Price Paid:  $0.00 at OEM

Favorite Ride:
In the SUN.

Bike Setup:
Ulterga derialers w/ SRAM PG 970 11-23 Cassette. 53/39 Crank.

Summary:
Not bad cassette, light shifts well. Came with the bike.

Strengths:
Good solid light weight cassette.
Like 3 pounds lighter than a 105 cassette, and it seems to shift faster.

Weaknesses:
Cost, I wouldn't pay for one when you can get a SRAM for good bit less.

Similar Products Used:
Sram PG 970
Shimano 105

Price Paid:  $35.00 at performance bike

Favorite Ride:
warm & windless

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR1, full ultegra including r600 pedals, Kysirium SL's with Michelin Pro Race tires.

Summary:
It just works GREAT! Has a high gloss (if you keep it clean!) chromed finish instead of the nickel finish of the D/A cassette. Shifts smoothly and is long lasting. Most bikes come with a 12-25 cassette. I strongly urge you to try an 11-23 cassette. The 53x11 combo = 4.82 gear ratio ( 53x12 = 4.42 ratio). This 53x11 combo can generate some incredible speed on the flats,descents or tailwind situations. You don't give up much when it is time to climb. 39x23 = 1.70 ratio VS. 39x25 = 1.56 ratio. As far as the $'s are concerned, I would rather have 2 ultegra cassettes (either different gear combos for different rides or just a new cluster when the old one starts to skip) than 1 D/A cassette.

Strengths:
awesome performance & looks for small $'s spent. The asymetric lug pattern on the inside of the gear rings makes the installation onto the free hub idiot proof.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Shimano hyperglide